Violent crimes, consisting of murder, rape, aggravated assault and robbery, dropped from 803 reports in 2005 to 611 in 2006.

“I think it’s because of our aggressive and determined enforcement effort,” Pasadena Police Department Commander Michael Korpal said. "When we recognize trends, we reallocate resources to get in front of the crime.”

Pasadena Crime Statistics 2005-2006

Year	Violent Crime	Murders & Nonnegligent Homicides	Forcible Rape	Robbery	Aggravated Assault	Burglary	Motor Vehicle Theft
2006	611	11	19	247	334	892	508
2005	803	6	23	285	489	788	560

 

Commander Michael Korpal

In 2005, a trend emerged where young African Americans affiliated with gangs attacked and stole money from lone Hispanic men. The department assigned detectives, patrol and traffic officers to find suspects and deter those youth street attacks, Korpal said. Their efforts resulted in a decline of those incidents.

In 2006, police took a proactive approach to gang enforcement, said Deputy Chief Chris Vicino. Through the detective work of the special enforcement’s gang unit, the department was able to arrest suspects. In addition, police developed good relationships with community members. Citizen informants helped police find suspects of violent crimes.

 “I don’t think enough credit is given to the local citizens for that,” Vicino said. “It’s really important.”

Despite decreases in reported rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults, the murder rate nearly doubled from six to 11.

“There are conditions that exist despite our best efforts,” Korpal said.

To continue to decrease violent crimes, the department’s Operation Safe City created a list in August of “Top 20” individuals who have committed violent crimes, Korpal said.

These individuals have an outstanding warrant out for their arrest and are named as suspects for violent crimes. Once an individual is arrested, another suspect is added to the list. Operation Safe City formed in February in response to increased gang violence.

Along with enforcement, police will also continue their intervention and prevention efforts. “What we’ve learned in law enforcement is that just doing one of those is not going to work,” Vicino said.

To prevent crime, police provide youth programs such as the Police Activities League as an alternative to getting into trouble. To intervene in criminals’ lives, the department has a Youth Accountability Board that assists first-time juvenile offenders. The board requires juvenile offenders to complete a certain number of community service hours, obey all laws, maintain good attendance and grades, and participate in individual and family counseling for six months.

The department also has 12 youth advisors who visit schools to work with troubled youth, Vicino said. 

The city council recently formed a committee that focuses on preventing gang and race related violence. Police are involved with that effort.

“In the long-term that may have a very substantial impact,” Vicino said.
 FBI results also indicate the number of burglaries increased from 788 in 2005 to 892 in 2006.

Korpal said police have targeted those individuals receiving and selling stolen property. The department has also focused on drug enforcement since individuals with drug problems will resort to theft to pay for their addiction. In addition, the department has provided more information to community members about how to protect their homes.

About four or five individuals are now in custody for burglaries, Vicino said. Each of those individuals is tied to 10 to 12 thefts.

“Progress has been made, but it’s not yet reflected in the numbers,” Vicino said.